Well I am sitting here at the runway end of the T3 Qantas Club waiting for my up-down flight to Canberra.

I cannot help but notice across the other side of the runway the new Qantas First lounge with its sleek black exterior - the only thing new at this airport in god knows how many years.

Just wondering if anyone has been in there yet? Will find out for myself in July when I head to NY for a conference but I was wondering how people compare it to others such as Pier in HK?

Havent travelled First with QF for some time (couple of years) as I have not been overseas except via a BBJ or GlobalExpress private jet and am assuming that it is exactly the same.... ie just like J is for domestic - same old same old.

Havent travelled First with QF for some time (couple of years) as I have not been overseas except via a BBJ or GlobalExpress private jet and am assuming that it is exactly the same.... ie just like J is for domestic - same old same old.

Click to expand...

Hooly Dooly.. John Howard has started posting !! or maybe Mr Packer...

I used the new Sydney 1st lounge a few weeks ago. It was certainly a great experience. My wife and I were treated to an excellent dinner. It's certainly true that it's worth going early and making an outing of it. I didn't have time for the massage etc. We were given a guided tour.

However, as an engineer, I am inclined towards practicality and value for money. I wouldn't have noticed that all the marble blocks on the floor matched. The real estate dedicated to the garden walled entrance is nice, but seems a waste of space. After all, it's an airport.

It's a great improvement over the previous lounge, which wasn't much different to the business lounge. But is it worth the cost? I'm not convinced there is a payback. For me, flying first is all about the air experience - after all, that's where I'm spending 24 hours in one place. I'm happy to have fast check in, and a comfortable place to sit, lie down and have a drink and reasonable snack.

I'd prefer a business/first immigration line to reduce the waiting than a massage in the lounge.

I can't justify the cost of 1st, but as platinum I enjoy the lounge and occasional upgrade. I won't be spending additional thousands for the experience.

That would be nice. I certainly didn't get an express pass last trip (May). Where is the express immigration - is that the one on the right as you go into immigration - used to be for 1st and business class? I thought it was for air crew now.

Where is the express immigration - is that the one on the right as you go into immigration ...

Click to expand...

Yes - in SYD on the right, left in MEL & BNE (just to confuse us Sydneysiders I am sure).

Look for the ribbon like "e" logo...

It is for APEC, groups, domestic, staff & express customers... first class customers (when escorted) make their way directly to the front of the queue, as do staff, although they seem to escort themselves LOL.

It's a new system (well using existing processes), also changed is incoming immigration - an officer now seems to meets people as they come off the plane/walk down the arrivals hall, and directs you to the appropriate lane (this person also writes the customs/quarantine check code on your arrival card).

Wow - you guys are lucky - I've had so many bad meals in both Y and J, I can't possibly list all of them; however, the rock bottom are 2 times I got food poisoning - Martinque to New York (AF in Y) - fish - I was sick for days; another time was Toronto to AMS in J on AC - pheasant - again sick for days.…

I've being trying to do some research on which flights/routes from Australia through to Europe has the new Business Class forward herringbone Super Diamond business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration on Hainan Airlines. Apparently there are 17 x 787/9 & 11 x A330/3 with the new layout - but looking on Expert Flyer & Seat Guru…

Important Notice

The Australian Frequent Flyer is a public forum. All posts reflect the personal opinion of the poster. These opinions are not necessarily shared by the Australian Frequent Flyer's owners, management or staff.